If you’re dreaming of turquoise water, sunshine in winter, or a relaxing escape that won’t cost a fortune, Hurghada, Egypt might surprise you in the best way. We recently spent 4 days here—and while I wasn’t sure what to expect, I left feeling more relaxed than I had in months.
This guide is a mix of laid-back luxury and optional adventure. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to hang poolside with a good book and maybe fit in a boat day or desert tour, you’ll love it here. Whether you’re planning a girls’ trip, a winter sun getaway, or a chill add-on to a bigger Egypt itinerary, here’s exactly how I’d recommend spending 4 days in Hurghada.
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Table of Contents
- Where is Hurghada, Egypt?
- Where We Stayed
- Do You Really Need an All-Inclusive Hotel?
- How to Spend 4 Days in Hurghada
This is probably the easier travel guide I’ve ever written, as heading to Hurghada, Egypt means you are ready for some sun, beach, and relaxation and truly don’t need much from me. It’s a great hub if you want to plan a day trip to Cairo, or head out scuba diving. However, if you are also just looking to chill, whether that be with your friends, partner, or little ones — this place is for you.
Where is Hurghada, Egypt?
Hurghada is one of Egypt’s most popular Red Sea destinations, known for its crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and long stretch of coastline. The city extends for about 25 miles (40 kilometers) along the eastern shore of Egypt, with nearly uninterrupted beachfront lined with resorts, diving centers, and beach clubs.
What once was a small fishing village has grown into a major hub for both international tourists and Egyptians looking for sun and sea. Today, Hurghada is divided into three main areas:
- El Dahar (Old Town): The more local, residential side of the city with markets, mosques, and authentic Egyptian spots.
- Sakkala: The busy downtown area with shops, bars, and nightlife.
- El Gouna & Sahl Hasheesh: Gated resort towns north and south of Hurghada offering a quieter, more upscale experience with private beaches and marina views.
Most visitors stay along the beach in either large all-inclusive resorts or more boutique, design-forward hotels like The Chedi in El Gouna. No matter where you stay, you’ll be just steps from the Red Sea, and the water really is as stunning as the photos suggest—calm, warm, and perfect for swimming or snorkeling year-round.
Hurghada is also known as a diving and kitesurfing hotspot, with dozens of boat tours departing daily to nearby islands and reefs. But if you’re not into watersports, it’s just as enjoyable for lounging by the pool, walking the promenade, or sipping mint tea with a sea view.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at The Chedi Hotel El Gouna, and I honestly cannot recommend it enough. It was one of those places that felt both effortlessly luxurious and completely relaxed. It is also a little less “touristy”, which you need to be careful of when you head to this area.
It’s a new hotel with beautiful designed rooms, and property. They are committed to sustainability, which is huge for us when it comes to selecting a hotel and they have private beach access. There was a gym, three restaurants (all good!), and an amazing included breakfast. It also felt incredibly safe. El Gouna has a resort-town vibe that’s clean, relaxed, and very easy to navigate.
Book Your Stay Here!
Do You Really Need an All-Inclusive Hotel?
When you start looking for a hotel in Hurghada, you’ll find that most default to all-inclusive, which might sound like a no-brainer at first. But honestly, you don’t really need it—especially if you’re not the kind of traveler who plans to eat or drink around the clock. We chose not to go the all-inclusive route, and I’m so glad we didn’t. There’s just no way we would’ve taken advantage of that much food, and I preferred having the flexibility to eat when I actually felt like it.
You’ll also find great local restaurants, especially in El Gouna town. We had one of our favorite seafood meals at The Fish Market, where you can choose your fish and have it cooked just how you like.
That said, if you’re traveling with kids or in a big group, all-inclusive can make things easier. No one has to stress about where the next meal is coming from, and there’s always food ready when someone gets hangry.
One more thing to note: some of the bigger resorts cater mostly to European tour groups. This sometimes means buffet lines, crowds, and that classic early morning “lay your towel on the lounger” scene. If that’s not your vibe, look for a more curated hotel or a design-focused spots.
We were honestly really happy with both the quality and the pricing at The Chedi. The food was fresh, flavorful, and never felt overpriced. We chose not to do the all-inclusive package, and even after four days of ordering what we wanted—from breakfast to poolside snacks to two dinners, we still didn’t spend as much as the all-inclusive rate would have cost us. Unless you plan to eat and drink constantly, ordering à la carte is likely the more budget-friendly (and flexible) option.
How to Spend 4 Days in Hurghada
This itinerary is built for someone who wants sun, calm, and a little soft adventure. If you’re not trying to see all of Egypt in 4 days (save that for Cairo + Luxor), Hurghada is perfect for recharging without over planning.
Day 1: Arrival + Poolside Recharge
After landing at Hurghada International Airport, we booked an Uber to The Chedi El Gouna, which was about 40 minutes drive.
We checked in, unpacked, and headed straight to the pool. There’s nothing better than getting your first swim in before dinner. That night we stayed at the hotel for dinner—it was easy, delicious, and exactly what we needed after traveling.
shop my outfit & beach day essentials!
Optional Tip: If your flight arrives early and you want to stretch your legs, take a short walk on the beach or explore the property. Many resorts also offer a quick massage or steam room access even on Day 1 if you need to shake off travel fatigue.
Day 2: Beach Day + El Gouna Town
This was one of our favorite days. We spent the morning moving between the beach and the pool, with plenty of iced drinks and snacks in between.
In the afternoon, we took a short walk to El Gouna town to explore the marina. It’s a small, but lovely place to walk around, shop a bit, and enjoy a change of scene from the resort. There we had dinner at The Fish Market El Gouna. You pick your fish and how you want it cooked. It was super fresh and a vibrant atmosphere! The waiters were really nice and funny.
Day 3: Optional Adventure Day
We didn’t do any excursions during our stay (this trip was all about rest), but if you want to add a little adventure, Day 3 is perfect for it. Here are some great options:
Snorkeling or Boat Day
Spend the day out on the Red Sea with a snorkeling tour to Orange Bay or Dolphin House. These usually include:
- Gear, guides, and multiple reef stops
- Lunch on the boat
- A chance to spot wild dolphins
- Full-day experience (9 AM to 4 PM)
Or visit Sahl Hasheesh for a Day
If you want to explore somewhere new without venturing too far, consider spending a day in Sahl Hasheesh. It’s a quieter, upscale beach town about 30 minutes south of El Gouna. The vibe is similar to El Gouna—clean, relaxed, and built for vacationers—but with a bit more of a romantic, resort feel.
You can easily grab a taxi or book a private transfer. Once there, walk the palm-lined promenade, have lunch at a beachfront café, or check out one of the nearby beaches with calm, clear water. If you’re into snorkeling, there’s a sunken city just offshore that you can see from a glass-bottom boat or even swim to when the tide is right.
Day 4: Sunrise, Spa, or Desert
Depending on your flight time, you can either make the most of your final morning, squeeze in a half-day tour, or maybe you have one more full day left! If you want one more moment of relaxation, start your day with breakfast on the terrace, a final walk along the beach, or one last dip in the pool. If you have the whole day consider one of the following:
Day Trip to Cairo or Luxor
If you’re feeling adventurous, a day trip to Cairo or Luxor is absolutely possible—but it’s a long day. That said, many travelers choose this option when they want a taste of Egypt’s history but don’t have time for a full itinerary in those cities.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Fly to Cairo
The flight time is about 1 hour, and here you can see the Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, and a quick stop at Khan el-Khalili market. You’ll want to book a private driver or guided tour to maximize time
Fly to Luxor
This is a similar flight time, about one hour. Here you can see: Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and a felucca ride on the Nile if time allows. Luxor is smaller and easier to navigate in a short time, but still packed with history.
Both of these options are best booked in advance, and I’d recommend going with a trusted tour operator so logistics are handled for you.
Is Hurghada Worth Visiting?
Yes, but go in with the right expectations. It’s not overflowing with cultural or historical things to see (especially in El Gouna), but that’s kind of the point. You go to Hurghada to pause, to swim, to reset. That’s why this guide almost feels silly to write, but when we were planning our travel I struggled to find any helpful information before we went. I was so worried we were missing something, but after our trip, lots of research, I realize we didn’t! This guide is to help make sure you have an easy time, along with a few excursion ideas, hotel recs, and tips I wish we knew before we went!
Local Tips Before You Go
- Currency | The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), but it’s best to pay anything you can, with dollars.
- Visa | Required for U.S. travelers, it’s available on arrival or online via Egypt’s e-visa portal. We purchased ours ahead of time
- Best time to go | October through April (hot but breezy)
- Dress code | Swimsuits at the beach, modest layers in town
- Safety | El Gouna is very safe and well-maintained
- Tipping | 5 to 10% at restaurants is appreciated (this is where we used our dollars).
Shop My Hurghada Packing List
If you have any questions about Hurghada, leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram. I’m always happy to help! And if you’re already planning your trip, don’t forget to pin ‘heart’ this post to save it for later!
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